ON Thursday, 14 December, police and pastors came together to pray against crime.
They were accompanied by the ST. Engenas Zion Christian Church brass band, the prayers took place in the car park of the Limpopo Mall in Polokwane, Limpopo.
The aim was to pray for the end of crime, especially in the town of Polokwane and the Capricorn District.
This came after an outcry from shoppers and residents who complained about the high crime rate in the town, where criminals rob shoppers even in broad daylight without showing fear.
An outreach programme was also implemented to inform shoppers how to spot crime and how to prevent being robbed.
Polokwane police station commander, Brigadier Matome Makhura, said they realised how much women and children were suffering.
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Major-General Lesiba Mashilo warned the public against hitchhiking and withdrew charges after opening cases of abuse and gender-based violence (GBV).
Pastor Rowland Standers pointed out that most of these crimes are mentioned in the Bible. He quoted a passage from Genesis, verse 34, which speaks of rape, mob killings and looting.
"The crimes are in the Bible, but the Bible empowers us and teaches us how to prepare for them. We are nothing without God and we will not win the fight against crime without God,” he said.
Provincial Community Policing Forum chairman Frans Kgasago said they will work with the police to ensure that crime decreases, shoppers and residents also feel safe in their homes.
Some shoppers said they felt blessed and safe after visiting ST. Engenas Zion Christian Church marching band.
